Sawera Zahir,
Rawalpindi: Director General Anti Narcotics Force Major General Muhammad Arif Malik has said that the ANF was striving towards the goal of “Drug Free Society”.
Addressing media persons here on Wednesday the ANF chief said that the Government of Pakistan and ANF were committed to thwart drug abuse and trafficking in country. “Not a single country or organisation can fight against drugs solely; but it is a shared responsibility at global, regional and national level”, he said adding that it has become a global concern.
Inspite of the gravity of situation, he said that ANF remained cognizant of its responsibility to counter drug menace through a three-pronged strategy to fulfill its mandate i.e. drug supply reduction, drug demand reduction and international Cooperation. He maintained that the ANF was working in close coordination with international partners to counter this menace.
“Since its inception in 1995, ANF has achieved major breakthroughs in combating this menace”, the DG said adding that through concerted efforts, the ANF has been able to eradicate major portion of Poppy from the country. “Pakistan is more vulnerable to drug trafficking due to increased Poppy Cultivation in Afghanistan. As per UNODC Drug Survey Report estimated cultivation in Afghanistan is 6400 MT Opium, which will produce 300 MT Heroin along with 3400 MT Raw Opium”, he said.
The ANF he said was following policy of zero tolerance towards drug suppliers to youth and education institutions. “Strict measures have been taken to neutralize drug trafficking peddlers around education institutions. So far, 137 cases are registered, 163 criminals are arrested and 2518 Kgs drugs were seized”, he added.
He pointed out that the ANF has provided free of cost drug treatment to 17,486 drug addicts at its Drug Treatment Centres so far. He however maintained that growing trend of use of illicit drugs by the youth was a source of serious concern. “ANF has been playing a leading role in mass awareness and community participation programs to educate the people against drug abuse. All segments of society are urged to play their role in eradicating the menace of drugs”, he said adding that in 2018, 400 awareness activities conducted with special focus on education institutions.
In order to prevent smuggling of drugs into and through Pakistan he said that number of operations were conducted in close collaboration with regional and other countries. International partners’ assistance in all fields has enhanced our operational efficiency which is highly appreciable.
After 6 years efforts he said that ANF was successful to host 13th Senior Officials Triangular Initiative Meeting in Pakistan which has strengthen the bilateral relations to counter drug trafficking with Iran and Afghanistan. Future road map for cooperation has been drafted to be approved in Ministerial meeting in Kabul this year.
“Despite its constraints of manpower, equipment and financial resources ANF, will accomplish its mission”, the DG added. He assured that Government of Pakistan, ANF and all organizations are fully committed to eradicate drug trafficking from the country through devotion to establish “Drug Free Society” with dedication and hard work.
